Eastern Way remains shut for gas works ahead of West Midlands Designer Outlet opening
Motorists in Cannock are being warned about the extension of a main road closure as part of improvements ahead of the opening of the new designer outlet village.
The closure of the A460 Eastern Way has been extended for a week until Friday so essential utility works can be completed to avoid future lengthy closures.
The gas service works are being incorporated into this phase of the scheme to provide access to the £160 million West Midlands Designer Outlet development and improve traffic flow on surrounding roads.
By combining the works at this stage, Staffordshire County Council bosses say it will mean the risk of future closures will be greatly reduced on Eastern Way – but means the section between the Hayes Way roundabout and Lichfield Road roundabout will remain closed in both directions until Friday.
The work is being carried by the county council.
Developer McArthurGlen has committed £15million to the improvement scheme, taking place at Churchbridge and the A460 Eastern Way.
Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our highways team has taken the decision to extend the current A460 closures in place for a further week to combine essential service works.
"While this is undoubtedly frustrating, by completing them now we can avoid future closures in the future.
“We would again like to thank people for their patience and apologise for the closure extension.
“The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a hugely important development for Staffordshire and the wider region.
"It will create jobs and bring visitors into Cannock, boosting the local economy.
"Before this happens, the infrastructure needs to be in place and we are making every effort to get works completed as soon as possible."
Cannock Chase Council granted planning approval for a designer outlet at Mill Green in September 2016 following extensive consultations with the local community.
On-site construction of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Cannock started last summer.
When it opens in 2020, this new landmark retail destination and community hub will create 1,000 jobs for the local area.
